240 



PRINCIPLES OF 



P. VIII. 



To become expert at adjusting the reins, 

 take the superfluous reins that hang over the 

 fore finger of the left hand into the right hand 

 altogether. Do not remove the left hand ; 

 but only open the fingers so that you can slip 

 the hand up and down the reins smoothly 

 and freely, while the right hand supports the 

 horse, and feels every cadence or step the 

 horse takes. By this method you will become 

 handy in altering the reins altogether. 



Would you shorten the curb rein and 

 lengthen the bridoon, apply the right hand 

 to the end of the curb rein, that hangs over 

 the fore finger. First slip the whole of the 

 reins too long : then slip the left hand down 

 the reins, keeping the centre of the curb rein 

 fast in your right hand, and feeling with your 

 fingers whether both the curb reins are of 

 equal length before you grasp with the left 

 hand or quit the right. 



In like manner you shorten the bridoon or 

 snaffle, and lengthen the curb ; first slipping 



